Age: 60 years
Source of Wealth: Entertainment and gaming, telecommunications, logistics and transport, finance and technology.
Estimated Wealth: USD50 million (UGX180 bn)
Bob Kabonero, born in January 1965 in Ntungamo District, Uganda, stands as a towering figure in Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s entertainment, telecommunications, and oil industries. As he celebrates his 60th birthday this month, Kabonero’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and strategic investment.
Born into a prominent family, Kabonero is the youngest of three siblings. His family has deep ties to national leadership: his sister, Susan Muhwezi, is married to Uganda’s Security Minister, Jim Muhwezi. His brother, Richard Kabonero, Richard Kabonero, is a Ugandan civil servant and diplomat. He is the head of department of Regional Economic Cooperation, at the Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since June 2022. Before that, he served as Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania.
Kabonero attended Oxford Brookes University in England, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Retail Management. This international education laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavours, equipping him with the skills and foresight to identify untapped opportunities in Uganda upon his return in 1992.
Sources of Wealth and Influence
Soruces of Bob Kabonero’s wealth are as diversified as they are significant. They include:
Entertainment & Gaming
A pioneer of Ugandan casinos, Kabonero revolutionised Uganda’s entertainment industry by founding Kampala Casino in 1993. This was the first formal gaming establishment in the country, setting a new standard for leisure and entertainment. Building on this success, he launched Pyramids Casino in 2008.
Both establishments, managed by his company, Audley Limited, have become staples of Kampala’s nightlife and leisure sector, attracting locals and international visitors. These ventures have solidified Kabonero’s fortune and positioned Uganda as a regional hub for high-end entertainment.
Telecommunications
A Digital Pioneer—Kabonero was an early mover in Uganda’s telecommunications sector, establishing the country’s first private internet service provider in the 1990s. This venture marked a turning point for the country’s connectivity, introducing private-sector innovation to a previously government-dominated industry.
He later sold this business to Celtel, now Airtel, further cementing his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur who understands the art of building, scaling, and exiting businesses for maximum impact.
Logistics & Transportation: Kabonero has become a key player in the transportation and logistics sector through his acquisition of the Europcar franchise in Uganda. His services are especially critical to industries such as oil exploration, where reliable transportation is essential. This venture has expanded his portfolio while addressing a vital need in Uganda’s economy.
Oil & Gas: Championing local content—Kabonero founded the Association of Oil and Gas Service Providers, a platform advocating for local Ugandan businesses to participate in the country’s oil and gas industry. His leadership was instrumental in enacting Uganda’s local content bill, which ensures that foreign companies collaborate with local enterprises.
This advocacy has enabled Ugandan businesses to secure contracts and partnerships in one of the country’s most promising industries, contributing to local wealth creation and national development.
Irene Mwoyogwona: Beyond the Numbers – How Pride Bank's Award-Winning CFO Combines Profitability and Social ImpactFinance & ICT: In addition to his gaming and telecommunications ventures, Kabonero has made significant strides in finance and ICT. He co-founded and leads successful enterprises such as Jet Set Forex Bureau, Veritas Investments Ltd., and Interswitch (formerly Bankom).
As the Chairman of Sombha Solutions Store, a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ICT firm, Kabonero drives Uganda’s digital transformation. Under his leadership, Sombha delivers cutting-edge technology solutions that empower businesses and communities across the region.
Uganda National Lottery: As chairman of ITHUBA Uganda, Kabonero oversees the operation of the Uganda National Lottery, which was launched in July 2024. With an initial investment of $14 million, the lottery has introduced games such as LOTTO, POWERBALL, DAILY LOTTO, and SPORTSTAKE 10, offering jackpots exceeding UGX 2.8 billion.
Beyond gaming, this venture aims to generate significant national revenue to fund critical sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and sports. Kabonero’s commitment to responsible gaming ensures that the lottery is a tool for both individual empowerment and national progress.
The Billionaire Network in Kampala
Bob Kabonero is part of an elite network of influential billionaires and business moguls in Kampala. His close circle includes some of the country’s most prominent figures.
- Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is the founder of the Ruparelia Group, which invests in real estate, banking, and education.
- Patrick Bitature: A key player in energy, real estate, and telecommunications.
- Amos Nzeyi: Renowned for his ventures in the beverage industry and hospitality, Nzeyi and Kabonero are both champions of local enterprises and advocates for Ugandan business interests on the global stage.
This network of billionaires works collectively to influence policy, invest in national development, and create opportunities for the Ugandan population. Their shared vision for economic empowerment and regional growth positions Kampala as a hub of entrepreneurial innovation.
Net Worth and Personal Life
According to recent estimates, Bob Kabonero’s net worth exceeds USD50 million (UGX180 billion), making him one of Uganda’s wealthiest individuals. His investments in entertainment, telecommunications, oil, logistics, and ICT sectors have built his personal fortune and contributed to the nation’s economic fabric.
Kabonero is known for maintaining a low-profile personal life despite his wealth and influence. He is a devoted father to two children, Isaac Mahone Musoki and Lisa Kemisha, and focuses his energy on expanding his business ventures and advocating for Uganda’s development.
Bob Kabonero’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a celebrated business magnate is a story of innovation, resilience, and foresight. His ventures have brought jobs, innovation, and investment to Uganda, transforming industries and improving lives.
As he marks his 60th birthday, Kabonero’s legacy is one of empowerment—not just for himself but for the countless Ugandans who benefit from his initiatives. His commitment to creating opportunities and driving national development makes him a true titan of Uganda’s economy.
